Culture Night 2024 at DCU St. Patrick's Campus

Monsieur Gusto Circus show - All Tied Up!

The all-skills, no-frills circus show.

Don't miss Monsieur Gusto's awesome family Circus Show on Culture Night.  With routines including Acrobatics, Magic, Juggling and an unforgettable Strait Jacket escape finale, this is one show not to miss!

Time: 5:30pm - 6:10pm
Age Group: All Ages

The Artane Band

Since 1872, the Artane Band has been rocking the stage and capturing hearts everywhere! From performing for every Irish President and Taoiseach to dazzling three U.S. Presidents and multiple UK monarchs, their legacy is nothing short of legendary. Known for their epic All-Ireland Sunday performances at Croke Park, they’re not just a band—they’re a musical institution. Join us for an unforgettable experience with the Artane Band—where history, talent, and community spirit come together in perfect harmony!

Time: 6:15pm - 6:45pm
Age Group: All Ages

The Walkeleles

Introducing The Walkeleles, whose unique brand of ukulele tomfoolery will charm the crowd. Whether singing, strumming, or simply sharing their love for music, The Walkeleles bring a special magic to Drumcondra. Don't miss the chance to experience their unforgettable performances that celebrate joy, community, and the simple pleasure of a great song.

Time: 6:45pm - 7:30pm
Age Group: All Ages

DJ Sally Cinnamon

Sally Cinnamon will bring a lively finale to Culture Night in the Fringe tent, infusing the evening with her signature energy. Sally is a beloved DJ, podcaster, and a master at getting people off their seats and onto the dance floor since 2001. With music woven into the fabric of her life, Sally's journey began at a young age—dancing before she could even walk to the soulful tunes that filled her home. Her deep passion for music shines through in every set, creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages. 

Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm 
Age Group: All Ages

Traditional Music by DCU TradSoc
Buail isteach ag an Seomra Caidrimh, Campas Phádraig OCBÁC do sheisiún Trad. Spéis agat páirt a ghlacadh – tabhair leat d’uirlisí ceoil nó bróga damhsa!  

Join us for a lively trad session in the Seomra Caidrimh on the DCU St. Patrick's Campus. Interaction and crowd participation encouraged, so bring your instruments, singing voice and dancing feet along. 

Am | Time: 5pm - 8pm
Aoisghrúpa | Age Group: All Ages
Láthair | Location: Seomra Caidrimh, SPD.D110 

Bemusement Games

Step into the enchanting world of the Bemusement Games, crafted by Fuinseog Woodland Crafts, and experience a unique collection of traditional games. Each game is thoroughly handcrafted from Irish timbers, offering a selection of classic favourites.

Time: 5pm - 8pm
Age Group: All Ages

DCU Sports and Traditional Games Area

Come along to the DCU Sports and Traditional Games Area for a lively and engaging experience! Participate in our Fit Family 10-Minute Movement Workshops, designed to get everyone moving and having fun. Challenge yourself with our exciting obstacle course or dive into traditional games like hula hooping and welly throwing. There's something for everyone in this vibrant space—come and play with us!

Time: 5:15pm & 6:15pm & 7:15pm
Age Group: All Ages

Scéal Away with Muireann Ní Chíobháin

Get involved in an immersive storytelling experience with DCU's Irish Language Writer in Residence, Muireann Ní Chíobháin. Children will step into a world of sea adventures as Muireann guides them through captivating tales, sitting in a life-sized boat outline on the floor. They’ll then bring these stories to life by drawing their own adventure scenes. It's the perfect opportunity for young imaginations to set sail!

Am | Time: 5:15pm, 6:15pm & 7:15pm (first come first served)
Aoisghrúpa | Age Group: 2 - 8 years old
Láthair | Location: Ground Floor Cregan Library (FG03)
Duration: 45 minutes

‘Art or AI?’ at the Museum of Very Modern Art

Can you tell if an artwork was crafted by a human or generated by AI? Test your skills, explore captivating artworks, and see how you score. This interactive workshop, hosted by SFI ADAPT’s #DiscussAI programme, invites you to join the conversation on AI’s impact on creativity. You'll see human-created works from public collections alongside AI-generated pieces from tools like DALL-E and Midjourney. Perfect for families curious about the future of art and technology!

Times: 5pm - 8pm
Location: Ground Floor -  Cregan Library
Age Group: Age 8+ 

Circus Stilt Walking and Unicyclist

Enjoy Alchemy Arts as they bring the vibrant energy and playful chaos of the circus to DCU this Culture Night! Be on the lookout for the dazzling Miss Diva Dee, towering above the crowd in her eye-catching stilt-walking costume, as she roams the grounds. And don’t miss the excitement—keep an eye out for a skilled unicyclist weaving through the festivities!

Time: Regular Intervals between 5pm and 8pm
Age Group: All Ages
 

The Bubble Guys

Do you love bubbles? Well, we do too! You’ll be amazed by the pop-up performances of Bubble-ologists. Expect a spectacular display of soap bubbles that will entertain not just the kids but also the kids-at-heart. The non-stop lively interaction will keep the kids entertained while the adults relax and enjoy the mesmerising spectacle.

Time: Regular Intervals between 5pm and 8pm
Age Group: All Ages

Canopy of Lights

As daylight fades, the Limetree walkway outside Cregan Library transforms into a captivating wonderland, illuminated by a vibrant and sparkling light installation. 

Times: 5pm - 9pm
Age Group: All Ages

Threads of Culture: A Bunting Bonanza

DCU Library is delighted to display the entries to our bunting competition on Culture Night. Look out for the colourful bunting created by members of the local and DCU community - all made with fabric to make sure they're sustainable and weatherproof. Huge thanks to all the crafters who have helped us to transform the campus space with their dazzling, festive creations!

Times: 5pm - 9pm
Age Group: All Ages

Guided tours of Belvedere House & St. Patrick’s campus

Join Dr Ruth McManus, DCU School of History and Geography, for a special guided tour that explores the historical, architectural and social fabric of St. Patrick's campus dating back to the 1600s. The tour will feature the notable Georgian Belvedere House, the Gothic Revival (former) chapel and attached cloister, and the modernist Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel by architect Andy Devane. 

Tour Times: 5.15pm & 6:30pm
Meeting Point: The steps of Belvedere House. Please arrive 5 minutes before the tour is due to start.
Age Group: 12+
Duration: 45 minutes

O'Connell Street: Dublin's Stage of History and Celebration

Discover the story of O'Connell Street, Dublin's principal space for commemoration, protest, and celebration, from its 19th-century origins as a hub for national and international events to its vibrant commercial success. Journey through 200 years of key public events, from historic demonstrations to recent celebrations like the return of our Olympians. Dr. Joe Rodgers (DCU Library and the School of History & Geography), who recently completed his PhD on the history of O'Connell Street, will guide you through its rich history.

Tour Times: 6pm & 7pm
Meeting Point: Board Room (G401) Top floor Cregan Library
Age Group: 12+
Duration: 20 minutes

Guided tours of the Cregan Library

DCU’s Cregan Library has become a landmark building in north Dublin since it opened its doors in 2015. The library was designed to form a visual link between the campus and the community, with a three-storey glass lantern overlooking the village of Drumcondra. This tour will give you an insight into this extraordinary piece of modern architecture, designed by Taylor Architects. 

Tour Times: 5pm, 6:15pm, 7pm & *7:30pm (*Tour will be ‘as Gaeilge’ at 7:30pm)
Meeting Point: Cregan Library Reception
Age Group: 12+
Duration: 30 minutes

A Walking and Poetry Tour of St. Patrick’s campus with Poet in Residence Anne Tannam

Join us for a one-of-a-kind experience at the Campus Poetry Ginko, led by Poetry Ireland's Poet in Residence, Anne Tannam. Let your feet do the walking and your poetry do the talking! With notebook and pen in hand, embark on a poetic journey across St Patrick's campus. Be part of a creative adventure that blends the tranquility of DCU with the power of words.

Tour Time: 6pm - 7pm
Meeting Point: Front Door of Belvedere House
Age Group: 12+
Duration: 60 minutes

The Library Rocks! Family Scavenger Hunt

Join us for a self-guided scavenger hunt in Cregan Library! Search for ten special painted rocks hidden throughout the library and answer fun questions about each one. Start by picking up your scavenger hunt sheet from the ground floor desk, and complete it at your own pace. Once you've found all the rocks and filled in your answers, return to the desk to claim your prize!

Times: 5pm - 8pm
Age Group: Age 3+
 

Navigating Campus Through Autistic Perspectives

This exhibition uses images and video to highlight the contrast between busy and quiet spaces on campus from the perspective of autistic students and an autistic artist. It demonstrates how quiet areas provide essential calm, focus, and sensory adjustment, helping autistic individuals balance bustling and serene environments. Featuring visual depictions of campus settings and a video mapping motion intensity, this exhibition underscores the critical role of creating inclusive, supportive spaces. Without these quiet spaces, some autistic students would struggle to complete their day at DCU.

Time: 5pm - 8pm
Location: Room G315 (Group Study Room) - Second Floor Cregan Library
Age group: All Ages

'Sticking Together' - The MELLIE Project

Come see this wonderful exhibition of work by The MELLIE Project, a heartwarming initiative that’s been connecting people since 2017. Led by Dr. Julie Daniel and supported by the University of Sanctuary, this project pairs DCU staff and students with individuals from backgrounds of forced displacement for a semester.

Times: 5pm - 9pm
Location: Ground Floor -  Cregan Library
Age Group: All Ages 

Housing the People, Building the State – a public exhibition

Did you know that one hundred years ago Ireland faced a housing crisis? At Independence, limited supply and poor-quality housing stock were major issues. This lavishly illustrated exhibition shows how appalling living conditions due to poor housing were addressed, and how the new State took an interest not just in building homes but also in building local communities. This public exhibition looks at the challenge of providing housing in the new state. 

This exhibition is supported by the Royal Irish Academy

Times: 5pm - 9pm
Location: Ground Floor -  Cregan Library
Age Group: All Ages 

The Sensory Express Bus

The bus is a magical sensory haven that includes a bubble tube and waterwall along with projection for some fantastic visual feedback, a colour-changing ball pool for proprioceptive fun, a light-up dance floor to get rid of some excess energy, sensory grass and liquid lava tiles that are tactile and a vibration and fibre optic bench area for calming and regulation. It is fully equipped with the latest sensory products on the market and is wheelchair accessible.

Time: 5pm - 8pm
Booking required (The use of this bus is exclusively for autistic children, children with sensory sensitivities, or children who genuinely need it)
Age Group: All Ages

Sensory Play Space

Visit our sensory-friendly space in the beautiful lantern area of Cregan Library. This area features calming lighting, comfortable beanbags, and a variety of sensory toys, creating a relaxing environment for all. The space is overseen by Embrace Autism, a local parent group committed to supporting autistic individuals and their families. 

Times: 5pm - 9pm
Age Group: All Ages
Location: Outside the exhibition Navigating Campus Through Autistic Perspectives - Room G315 Second Floor Cregan Library

Grab a bite!

Arrive early and explore our delicious food offerings! Savor a slice from our pizza truck, grab a coffee or a light bite at the café, and cool off with a sweet treat from the ice cream van. Come hungry and enjoy!

Times: 5pm - 9pm